The secret to growing out your hair faster? It starts in the shower

If you’re like me, you’re for any and all methods that aim to grow your hair out and fast. Whether it’s from a bad haircut or you’re just looking to have Rapunzel-like lengths, sometimes you just want to get the show on the road. While there are countless online theories as to what can and cannot help your hair grow out quickly (like using coconut oil, for instance), it’s always best to stick with what’s tried-and-true and doctor-approved.

“Consider using a product with caffeine, rosemary, or peppermint oil, all of which have been suggested to enhance hair growth,” Francesca Fusco, MD, a New York-based dermatologist tells me when I fact-check the study with her. Other scalp-friendly ingredients to look for? Eucalyptus, peppermint, and ginger.

Next up: Exfoliation. You want to dislodge any buildup around the follicle so that it has a nice environment to sprout from. Rather than investing in a scalp exfoliator Dr. Fusco recommends simply adding a tablespoon of sugar to your shampoo and massaging it to dislodge build-up (though there are some pretty awesome exfoliators out there, I will say). While you could do it manually, it’s oh-so-satisfying to get in there with a scalp massaging tool to feel the effects, which Dr. Fusco advocates doing every once and a while. The reason is because it gets your blood circulation going, which in turn feeds the blood vessels that feed your follicles. And then, you know, lather, rinse, repeat.